Review by Giada at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
I’ll start by saying that I have neither a classical music background nor Arab heritage, so my experience of this evening wasn’t grounded in shared knowledge or tradition. Nonetheless, I let myself be carried away by the music, and I had a truly spellbinding night.
Often called the father of modern Arab music, Mohamed Abdelwahab was a visionary composer and performer whose influence shaped the musical landscape of the 20th-century Arab world. The idea behind this evening was to bring his work to London as a celebration not only of his legacy but also of Arab culture itself and its ability to fuse, transform, and enrich through the meeting of traditions. Popular and folkloric pieces that Abdelwahab once sang or composed were presented here in new, operatic arrangements.
The result was a performance of symphonic finesse and harmonic depth, delivered by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the London Arabic Orchestra, conducted by Nader Abbassi and featuring soprano Fatma Said. The audience response was incredible: people clapped along, swayed, and danced with their hands. It was clear how special and emotionally charged this event was for everyone involved.
Although I didn’t understand the lyrics, I never felt alienated from the experience; however, I do wish that the recordings of Abdelwahab’s voice that introduced some of the pieces had been accompanied by surtitles so that non-Arabic speakers could connect more directly with his words and message.
Abdelwahab: The Father of Modern Arab Music was a moving celebration of enduring passion and artistic dedication, one that transcends borders and generations. It was a privilege to witness.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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